Name: Chicken and Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Chicken breast, cooked and diced; Tater tots; Cream of mushroom soup; Sour cream; Cheddar cheese, shredded; Garlic powder; Onion, chopped; Green peas; Salt and pepper

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, hearty casserole fresh out of the oven. Combine that with the universally loved tater tots and delicious chicken, and you have a dish that's sure to please everyone. This Chicken and Tater Tot Casserole is not only filling and satisfying but also incredibly easy to make, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekend dinners.

The beauty of casseroles lies in their simplicity and the endless possibilities for customization. This recipe puts a fun twist on traditional casseroles by incorporating crispy tater tots, tender chicken, and a creamy sauce, layered together to create a delightful dish that’s both comforting and convenient.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts (4, cooked and shredded)
Tater tots (1 bag, frozen)
Cream of chicken soup (2 cans, 10.5 oz each)
Sour cream (1 cup)
Cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded)
Garlic powder (1 tsp)
Onion powder (1 tsp)
Black pepper (½ tsp)
Salt (to taste)
Green onions (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a bit of oil.
Mix the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well blended. This creamy mixture will serve as the glue that holds all the delicious components together.
Layer the Ingredients: Spread the shredded chicken evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken, spreading it out to cover the chicken completely. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce.
Add the Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top of the casserole. The tots will crisp up in the oven, adding a delightful texture to the dish.
Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Final Touches: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to add a touch of lightness to the meal. For an extra kick, serve with hot sauce or ranch dressing on the side.

Conclusion

The Chicken and Tater Tot Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for those nights when you want a filling meal without the fuss. Whether you’re serving it to kids who are fans of tater tots or adults who appreciate a good, comforting casserole, this dish is sure to be a hit. It's the kind of meal that invites everyone to dig in, enjoy, and feel right at home.